Parent Education and Resources
Maine Medical Center (MMC) offers a wide range of classes to support new parents during pregnancy, birth and beyond. Whether you’re getting ready for the birth of your first child or are an experienced parent, our certified staff will help you prepare for, and enjoy, every moment of the experience.
Online Classes Available
Here are some of the classes we offer:
- Beyond the Basics
- Breastfeeding
- Childbirth Preparation
- Infant Care
- Infant Sleep
- Preparing the Family
- Support Groups
Class Cancellations
If a class needs to be cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, registered participants will receive an email notification. If the cancellation is same-day, registered participants will receive a phone call. We will then follow-up by phone and/or email regarding rescheduling options. Typically, if the school district in which the class or group is held is closed, or has announced an early dismissal, then our classes/groups will be cancelled as well.
Pregnancy, Postpartum and Parenting Resources
The following links will provide helpful information and resources for the 1st trimester of your pregnancy.
Labor & Delivery at MMC
1st Trimester of Pregnancy
Common Discomforts
Mental Health
Exercise
Nutrition and Food Safety
Sexual Activity
Medications/Smoking/Alcohol/Things to Avoid
Home and Family Safety
1st Trimester Screening and Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
The following links will provide helpful information and resources for the 2nd trimester of your pregnancy.
2nd Trimester of Pregnancy
- Fetal growth & development
- Weight Gain
- Preterm Labor and warning signs
- Preterm Labor Risk Factors
- Preterm Labor Signs and Symptoms and What to Do
- Gestational diabetes
2nd Trimester Screening and Testing
3rd Trimester of Pregnancy
- Fetal growth & development
- Why at Least 39 Weeks is Best
- Preterm Labor Risk Factors
- Preterm Labor Signs and Symptoms and What to Do
- Signs of Pre-Eclampsia
- Gestational diabetes
3rd Trimester Screening and Testing in Pregnancy
- 3rd Trimester Screening
- Glucose Challenge Test
- Blood work (RH factor)
- Group B Strep (GBS) Test
- Non Stress Test (NST) and Biophysical Profile (BPP)
- Indications for Additional Ultrasounds
High-Risk Pregnancy/NICU
- “Sidelines” (High Risk Pregnancy Support)
- March of Dimes Health Topics
- Greater Portland Mothers of Multiples
Preparing for Labor & Birth
Preparing for Baby
- Breastfeeding
- Breast Pump order (Acelleron)
- Formula feeding
- Safe Handling and Preparation of Powdered Infant Formula
- Choosing a Doctor for the Baby
-
Safety
- Recalls for unsafe, hazardous, or defective products
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin D
- Immunizations
- Circumcision
- Cord Blood Banking
Preparing for Postpartum
The following links will provide helpful information and resources for the first three months of your baby’s life and your postpartum experience, also known as your 4th Trimester.
Newborn Care
- Screenings
- Feeding
- Safety
- Car Seats
- Recalls for unsafe, hazardous, or defective products
- Bathing and skin care (ie. cord care, cradle cap, etc.)
- Well Child Check-Ups
- Immunizations
New Mom Care (ie. recovery, bleeding, soreness, swelling, fatigue, weight loss, etc.)
Postpartum Adjustment/Mood Disorders
- Local supportGroups
- MMC Mothering Circle, Breastfeeding Group
- Birth Roots
- Maine Behavioral Healthcare
- Maine Crisis Hotline:
1-888-568-1112